It's
clear and sunny, but the strong gusts of winds make it too dangerous
to fly. They're stuck at stop 6 in Winnebago County, IL for one
more day. The birds
may be let out of the pen for some exercise.

Meanwhile,
something NEW is about to happen for the Eastern flock. Four
whooping crane chicks were left behind when the 20 chicks and ultralights
began migration on October 24. Like #418 last
year, these chicks are "pioneers." They are the firstgroup to
be released by another technique to teach them a
migration route. The technique is called Direct Autumn
Release
(DAR). Read
more about the DAR chicks. Then watch
for our news about their first journey south, which could begin
any day now!